Rachel has been around horses since she was 8 years old. She started mucking stalls and doing pony rides in exchange for riding lessons. Knowing that she wanted to do something to give back to her community and with horses, she earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Therapeutic Horsemanship from The University of Connecticut, and followed with a Master's in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from UConn.

Since graduating, she has continued nonprofit work, and volunteering with various therapeutic riding centers in Connecticut and earning her EAGALA certification in 2017. Baling Twine and Hope is her brainchild and dream come true.

Erin McDonough is a licensed psychologist in New York and New Jersey and is certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning by EAGALA. Horses have been tremendously impactful to her personally and professionally, and it is her passion to share this benefit with others. She has been in practice at the doctoral level for over ten years and specializes in working with children with learning disabilities, ADHD, and trauma histories. She also provides psychotherapy to adults with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and relationship difficulties and to couples experiencing conflict and dissatisfaction. She earned her doctorate in School Psychology in 2009 after completing an APA-accredited internship working with youth in residential settings.

Ms. Schlichting has focused her career on work in the field of Substance Use Disorder Treatment and HIV services. She has served as a non-profit Executive Director for Somerset Treatment Services for over 30 years. Previously, she worked as a clinical supervisor and a clinician.

She has served on various county and state boards and committees and has earned several honors, both local and national, including the Nyswander Dole Award.

Ms. Schlichting possesses LCSW and LCADC credentials

She attended Denison University and Rutgers University, completing her education with an MSW.